A LEADING dementia charity claims 10,000 people are living with the disease in Dorset, and the number is rising.

The Alzheimer’s Society, which has an office based in Poole, said it was increasingly important that dementia sufferers were provided with good quality information, education, support and care.

The charity runs a number of services such as memory cafes, which give people affected by dementia the opportunity to take part in structured activities.

Run by a facilitator, who encourages and supports people to take part, the groups are also a chance to relax and socialise. There are memory cafes in Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage, Wareham, Ferndown, Verwood, Wimborne and Christchurch.

The charity also runs the Memory Support and Advisory Service, which offers one-on-one support, information and advice for people who are worried about their memory and need to go through the diagnosis process, people who have been diagnosed with dementia, and carers.

Jo Malyon, services manager at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “One of our most popular services is Singing for the Brain, which is a social activity for people with dementia and their carers, enabling them to express themselves and sing with others in a similar situation.

“You certainly don’t have to be pitch perfect to join the group. It is more about coming together than singing. We have Singing for the Brain groups in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.”

She added the key to getting valuable support begins with speaking to your GP if you are worried about your memory, or the memory of someone you know.

“Everyone is a little bit forgetful now and again, but when memory loss starts to interfere with your daily life, it is important to get it checked out as soon as possible.

“Symptoms might include frequently forgetting the names of people, places, appointments and recent events.

“It could also involve mood swings and feeling sad, angry or frustrated at memory loss. Other symptoms could include becoming more withdrawn, either due to a loss of confidence or due to difficulty in communicating. It might be that everyday activities become more difficult - like checking change at the shops or working the TV remote."

For more information, call the charity on 01202 764352 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/memoryworry